White Sox vs. Cubs (2/20) – Lineups, Pitching Matchup, How to Watch

Mesa, Ariz. – The Cactus League schedule tips off Friday afternoon at Sloan Park with a Windy City showdown, as the Chicago White Sox travel to Wrigley West to face the Cubs at 2:05 p.m. CT. Both clubs enter at 0-0, but the South Siders arrive with a roster overhaul and a wave of optimism after an aggressive winter and a promising second-half glimpse of their budding core.

Managerial intrigue begins on the mound. Right-hander Jonathan Cannon, looking to rebound from a 2025 season that saw him post a 5.82 ERA and an August demotion, gets the start for the White Sox. Once considered among the organization’s most versatile arms thanks to a five-pitch mix, Cannon will try to rekindle that promise against a veteran-laden Cubs lineup. The assignment itself underscores the staff’s belief that the 24-year-old can still factor into the rotation picture with a strong spring.

Opposing him will be James Taillon, the established Cubs veteran who closed last year with momentum, including the Wild Card clincher versus San Diego and a divisional-round win over Milwaukee. Taillon’s deep off-speed repertoire makes him the more polished option, but the White Sox will counter with three potent left-handed bats – catcher Kyle Teel, first baseman Munetaka Murakami, and second baseman Sam Antonacci – hoping to jump on him early.

Inside the clubhouse, the White Sox insist their sights are already set on October despite modest external expectations. The front office added proven veterans over the offseason, and the farm system offers elite-level reinforcements. Shortstop Colson Montgomery, catcher Edgar Quero, outfielder Shane Smith, and right-handers Noah Schultz and Hagen Smith headline a prospect group ranked among baseball’s Top 100, while outfielder Braden Montgomery gives the organization another high-upside name to watch this spring.

Friday’s exhibition will be televised on Marquee Sports Network and carried on ESPN 1000.

Projected lineups

Chicago White Sox 1. Curtis Mead, 3B 2. Kyle Teel, C 3. Austin Hays, LF 4. Munetaka Murakami, 1B 5. Derek Hill, CF 6. Sam Antonacci, 2B 7. Korey Lee, DH 8. Tristan Peters, RF 9. Tanner Murray, SS

Chicago Cubs 1. Jonathan Long, 1B 2. Alex Bregman, 3B 3. Seiya Suzuki, CF 4. Miguel Amaya, C 5. Dylan Carlson, RF 6. Chas McCormick, LF 7. Pedro Ramirez, 2B 8. BJ Murray, DH 9. Scott Kingery, SS